Gardening Articles: Flowers :: Perennials

New Arabian Lilac

by Charlie Nardozzi

Lilacs (Syringa sp.) are popular ornamental shrubs in many northern gardens. The Arabian lilac (Vitex trifolium purpurea Fascination), while not a true lilac, is a good alternative for warm-weather gardeners and a colorful plant in any landscape. It features lilac-blue flower panicles on purple-colored foliage.

Fascination grows quickly into a shrub 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Its foliage is a blushed purple on top and dark purple on the bottom. The flowers appear from new growth all summer. Although not fragrant, the shrub still gives a lilac-like appearance in the garden and is attractive even when its not flowering.

Fascination grows best in full sun. Since it's only hardy to USDA zone 9, its best grown as an annual or protected perennial in most areas of the country. It also looks great in containers or as an accent plant on a deck or patio.

For more information on this unique plant, go to:
Hines Horticulture and look under New Products.